Into the horizon
21 May 2013 | After Kwaj and onto Majuro
Oops, there is no shortcut through the, windward, eastern reef of Erikub Atoll
The normal parting question is, "Where are you going after leaving Kwajalein?" There are intentions then there is the reality offered up by the winds. Rebecca spent one night aboard the boat at the dock before departing, while I soaked up one more night of air-conditioning and the amenities of our shore side residence. The next evening at 5:30 we departed after having dinner with friends sharing a last dinner at the chow hall, and untying our dock lines and waving goodbye till we couldn't see them anymore.
Our first night away from the dock, now officially outsiders, was on our mooring ΒΌ mile from the dock. The next morning, we hoisted sail and pointed Brick House to the familiar protected anchorage of Bigej island 7 miles north of Kwajalein Island. Adjacent to Begej is a wide deep pass eastward through the reefs. Upon wakening the following morning, the settled wind we only hoped for, in fact did come. The wind shifts allowed us to set full sails including the little stay sail. I like the looks and aerodynamic shape of that little storm sail especially when it is pulled close hauled and drawing parallel with the genoa.
This was a good transition from our comfortable terrestrial dwelling to the rocking, and at times wet, life on a long range cruising sailboat. Rather than heading north for Rongerik, our original intention, we took advantage of the perfect 15 knot winds, gentle seas and let the wind draw us north east. We need easting before turning south for Fiji, but we hoped to first stop in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands for supplies.
The fair weather lasted only 24 hours then grew to wave washing 20 to 30 knots, and in squalls, up to 40 knots. The bow of Brick House smashed into the ocean swells sending spray and waves flooding over the decks. The fair weather sails were rolled in to a fraction of their full dimensions. It wasn't just the wind, the large waves slowed our boat speed to a sluggish 4 knots. This put Rebecca into the aft bunk where she wedged herself in and swallowed seasick medication. Since loosing the hearing in my right ear and some of the balance associated with it, I don't get sea sick.